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AIBU?

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Original poster

to confirm 4 yr old dd's suspicion that the tooth fairy doesn't exist?

17 replies

puffling · 18/07/2010 22:08

DD piped up in the car today on the matter of the existence of the tooth fairy! She's obviously given it some thought. She asked if the fairy existed and said that she thought she didn't as people can't fly, adding that she thought mummies and daddies probably gave the money but pretended to be the fairy.
I was secretly pleased that she'd sussed this out. I hate conning her. However,my sister would do her nut if her daughters aged 7 and 5 ever found this out and I wouldn't hear the end of it.
So should I put dd out of her misery, (she doesn't like the thought of scary supernatural beings entering her room in the night anyway) or should I keep up the pretence for whatever reason?

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HecateQueenOfWitches · 18/07/2010 22:12

I think that if they come to you and they've thought it all out, then they are ready to hear the truth.

So tell her no, the tooth fairy is not real, it's just a bit of magical fun for little kids. And that she must never tell other children that it isn't real.

Ladyanonymous · 18/07/2010 22:13

My eldest son sussed this out yonks ago (and about Santa ) but I told him if you stop believing then they stopo coming - with a big as he has two younger siblings.

Original poster
puffling · 18/07/2010 22:14

That's a good idea ladyanonymous. Might use that one.

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Goofymum · 18/07/2010 22:18

Blimey, she's pretty sussed for a 4 year old! If she really doesn't like the thought of scary supernatural beings entering her room at night then it may be worth telling her that the fairies aren't real but not to tell other little girls as they may still believe. My daughter (nearly 5) is really looking forward to the tooth fairy coming, although there's no sign of a wobbly tooth yet, and I'm looking forward to being the tooth fairy just like I was so so excited when my 2 DDs realised that Santa had been. All children are different and you obviously know her best. Maybe don't say anything unless she brings it up again?

Tortoise · 18/07/2010 22:21

Thanks for reminding me that the tooth fairy needs to come here tonight for DD1! Had completely forgotten .

Agree with others, sounds like she is ready for the truth.

Original poster
puffling · 18/07/2010 22:23

She's always hated Santa. She asked me if Daddy and Mummy would collect the presents from Santa for her.
She does love dressing up as a fairy/princess so part of me thinks even tho' she's sussed it phaps a part of her would like to keep the pretence going.

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Original poster
puffling · 18/07/2010 22:24

Glad I was of use Tortoise!

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rupert22 · 18/07/2010 22:25

hmm, tricky.My ds6 lost his first tooth today and he did ask if the fairy was real, but he is not convinced. Still, he wants the money so he has to believe

CardyMow · 18/07/2010 22:31

Crumbs...my 6.5yo DS2 is firmly in tooth fairy territory, my 8yo DS1 is...well...suspicious...but he still lifts his pillow first thing when he's put a tooth there...just in case..... My 12yo DD (sn) has literally realised last week...! She still believed in santa last christmas (That was about 5 years more than I thought I'd get), but I highly doubt that I'll get this year.

kodokan · 18/07/2010 22:31

I think kids should be told the truth once they're directly asking (although sussing it at 4 is advanced!). My DS was 8 when he asked outright, and I gave him a 'grown-ups all round the world love children very much, and there's this wonderful benevolent conspiracy to keep the magic alive for little ones - and now you're part of the great conspiracy and 'Santa' won't bring you anything if you tell your little sister...'

He still talks about asking Santa for X, and how the Tooth Fairy will leave his sister money, etc. A small part of it is toeing the line with her, but mostly I think he still wants to make himself believe its true. Which I can understand, as I still get very excited about the 'NORAD tracks Santa' website each Christmas Eve.

Ladyanonymous · 18/07/2010 22:32

Loudlass You still manage the pillow???

scurryfunge · 18/07/2010 22:36

My DS came home from nursery one day, several years ago, and announced, "Right, I don't believe in Santa or God"

Fine.

mychildrenarebarmy · 18/07/2010 22:39

If you decide to tell her she the tooth fairy doesn't exist make sure that she understands that she shouldn't go about telling other children. My friends DD told my DD that Father Christmas and the tooth fairy aren't real. My DD was really upset by this. I am all for children being told when they start to think it's not true but think they should understand that it is a magical thing that their friends might not be ready to stop believing in. btw my daughter eventually decided her friend was wrong and was fine after that. I'm not sure how long that will last though. I am happy for her to go on believing for as long as she wants to (probably because I still do.

LostArt · 18/07/2010 22:44

DD tricked DH into admitting that the tooth fairy doesn't exist last year. But she lost another tooth last week and suddenly started believing again.

Original poster
puffling · 18/07/2010 22:46

Lostart - I think dd will also choose to believe when it suits her. She's a monkey.

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MumNWLondon · 18/07/2010 22:55

My DD is 6 and knows there is no tooth fairy. She told DS who is 4.

But she still likes to put the teeth under the pillow for me to give her the money. My parents insisted on the toothfairies existant until I was about 10 so did not want to decieve DD in the same way.

However, she said that what do I want the teeth for, so I have to leave the money and the tooth!

Original poster
puffling · 18/07/2010 23:05

I'll def leave the money whatever.

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